Visitor Activities

The refuge offers a variety of
opportunities to enjoy wildlife free of charge, seven days a week from sunrise
to sunset.

Wildlife Watching & Nature Trails

You are welcome to enjoy the many open paved and gravel roads within the refuge as they are great for wildlife watching and hiking. An old railroad right-of-way is today a 9-mile nature trail. In addition to the Wildlife Observation Trail, several shorter trails are available for your enjoyment. These include the Visitor Center Trail, Cemetery Trail, Magazine Trail, and the Starr Ranch Trail. The refuge’s roads provide a lot of options for visitors interested in everything from a quick hike to a long day of watching wildlife.

Come prepared! Mosquitoes and deer flies can be abundant so insect repellent is recommended. Be on the look-out for poison ivy.

Biking

Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge lends itself to biking. There is a large parking lot on the left when the Refuge is first entered where vehicles can be parked. A potable water source is present.Most of the roads on the refuge are paved and can be explored and enjoyed unless a closed sign is present. The Wildlife Observation Trail is closed to biking because of the presence of equestrian traffic.

Remember: Wildlife has the right-of-way, so please do not disturb it. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and equestrians who are sharing the trails with you.

Auto Tour Route

One of the most comfortable ways to experience the beauty of the Caddo Lake NWR is by taking a drive on the Auto Tour Route. The six-mile long auto tour provides an opportunity to see a small portion of the refuge’s native flora and fauna, to learn about its rich history and the ongoing efforts to restore the refuge to its natural state.

Equestrians

The refuge has a 9 mile, multiple-use wildlife observation trail. Riding is allowed but requires a registration number and tag. Please visit the Friends website to register and download all the necessary forms and rules and regulations.

Hunting

The refuge offers hunts white-tailed deer hunts and feral hog hunts free of charge. Included are opportunities for youths and hunters with disabilities. A valid State of Texas hunting license is required and all Texas State regulations apply.

What We Do

In 1993, portions of the area that are now the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge became the 13th site in the United States designated as "wetlands of international significance" under the Ramsar Convention.